(STATEWIDE) — A new online crossbow education course is now available on the Alaska Department of Fish and Game's website. The course — along with an accompanying field program — is mandatory under regulations that go into effect this summer requiring hunting certification for those who use crossbows to take big game in Alaska.

Beginning July 1, 2018, only hunters who have successfully completed a department-approved crossbow certification course may use crossbows to take big game in Alaska. Regulations mandating certification were adopted by the Alaska Board of Game in 2016.

Alaska's online crossbow education course provides instruction on crossbow techniques, safety, wildlife conservation, and outdoors preparedness. After passing a test covering the online curriculum, hunters must attend a field day and successfully complete a proficiency shoot. Crossbow certification is awarded to those who complete both portions, and certification cards must be carried in the field while hunting.

For more information about crossbow hunting education and requirements in Alaska, or to participate in the department's online crossbow education course, visit the Crossbow Education webpage at http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=huntered.crossbow or contact Ginamaria Smith at (907) 267-2196 or ginamaria.smith@alaska.gov .

The nine-member group is being formed to determine the feasibility of a commuter rail service connecting Anchorage and the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. Right now, an average of 50,000 drivers commute daily on the lone ground transportation link that connects the two communities.

“Anyone who drives on the Glenn Highway knows all too well that we need an alternative way to move between Alaska’s two largest population centers,” Governor Walker said. “This new group will make sure our rail system is reaching its full potential.”

The task force will draw from prior research conducted by the Department of Transportation as well as information from the Alaska Railroad Corporation and other sources.

Results of the study will determine estimates of initial and ongoing capital costs, expected operating costs, potential ridership, a recommended governance structure, and economic benefits of a commuter rail such as saving on road maintenance and lowering of emissions, among other things.

Initial findings are due to the governor no later than May 31.

Mayors from the Municipality of Anchorage, City of Houston, Matanuska-Susitna Borough, City of Palmer, and City of Wasilla will serve on the task force; as will the Director of the Anchorage Metropolitan Area Transportation Solutions, a representative from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, and two members of the public with expertise in transportation. The Transportation and Commerce commissioners will also serve as non-voting members.

Members of the task force will not receive compensation, though per diem and travel expenses will be covered for any members who are not government employees. Funding in the Governor’s proposed capital budget related to this initiative would not be spent unless the task force recommends moving forward with a pilot project after their analysis is complete.

On 1/9/2018 at approximately 8:32 a.m., a teal 1997 Nissan Sentra sedan was reported to be stolen from the owner's residence in Palmer.

On 1/10/2018 at approximately 1:00 a.m., AST located the stolen Nissan Sentra vehicle while patrolling the Walmart parking lot in Wasilla. An investigation revealed April D. Murray, 32 YOA of Big Lake, was the driver of the stolen vehicle. Murray was arrested for Vehicle Theft in the First Degree. Murray was remanded into custody at Matsu Pretrial in Palmer. The vehicle was released to the owner.

Like The Big Lake Times on Facebook to stay on top of breaking stories, or follow us on Twitter

On 01/07/2018 at approximately 6:08 p.m., AST received a report of a deceased person on S Muskrat St in Big Lake. The investigation revealed a 25 year old female was deceased. State Medical Examiner has taken the body pending an autopsy. No foul play is suspected at this time and Next of Kin has been notified.

Like The Big Lake Times on Facebook to stay on top of breaking stories, or follow us on Twitter

Update: On 1-3-18 at approximately 1:00 p.m., Anthony Smith was arraigned at the Palmer Courthouse. He continues to be held with bail set at $250K and a Court approved Third Party Custodian required. In addition to the Murder 1st Degree charged, after consultation with the Palmer District Attorney’s Office, an additional charge of Assault in the 4th Degree was added based on the investigation of events that prompted a prior AST response to the residence that morning. Troopers had responded to a disturbance at the Big Lake residence on 1/1/18 at 0218 hours.

In addition to the ongoing criminal investigation. AST is conducting a comprehensive review of our initial response to this residence.

Update: The deceased has been positively identified by the State Medical Examiner’s Office as Amy Smith, 37 of Wasilla. On 1/2/18 an autopsy was conducted on Amy Smith and the results of the autopsy indicated the cause of death was homicide. At approximately 4 p.m. on 1/2/2018, members of the “B” Detachment Criminal Suppression Unit arrested Anthony Smith, 38 of Wasilla, for Murder in the First Degree. Smith was remanded to the Mat-Su Pretrial facility where he will be held without bail. Investigation by Palmer GIU is ongoing. Amy Smith’s next of kin has been notified.

Original text: On 1/01/18 at 4:54 a.m., AST and Emergency Medical personal responded to a residence in the Big Lake area for CPR in progress on a 37 year old female. This case is currently being investigated by Palmer GIU.

Like The Big Lake Times on Facebook to stay on top of breaking stories, or follow us on Twitter

On 1/3/18, at 3:05 a.m., State Troopers responded to a residence in Big Lake for a report that an unknown male had barged into the house, intoxicated, and was causing a disturbance.

Investigation revealed that John B. Wilson, 54 yoa of Talkeetna, had crashed his vehicle nearby on Hollywood Road while under the influence, then walked to the home believing his fiancée was there and had unlawfully entered the residence without permission. While inside the residence he assaulted a female by placing her in fear of injury and had damaged property.

After being arrested, Wilson refused to provide a sample of his breath for analysis and was additionally charged with Refusal. Wilson was remanded to Mat-Su Pretrial on the above 5 charges with bail set at $500 cash.

Update: The deceased has been positively identified by the State Medical Examiner’s Office as Amy Smith, 37 of Wasilla. On 1/2/18 an autopsy was conducted on Amy Smith and the results of the autopsy indicated the cause of death was homicide. At approximately 1600 on 1/2/2018, members of the “B” Detachment Criminal Suppression Unit arrested Anthony Smith, 38 of Wasilla, for Murder in the First Degree. Smith was remanded to the Mat-Su Pretrial facility where he will be held without bail. Investigation by Palmer GIU is ongoing. Amy Smith’s next of kin has been notified.
Original text: On 1/01/18 at 4:54 a.m., AST and Emergency Medical personal responded to a residence in the Big Lake area for CPR in progress on a 37 year old female. This case is currently being investigated by Palmer GIU.

Like The Big Lake Times on Facebook to stay on top of breaking stories, or follow us on Twitter

Both the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly and the School Board listened to a report from the Sales Tax Task Force on Dec. 12. Task Force Member Robert Hall said the consensus is the Borough needs to act. Among the suggestions: amend the tax revenue cap and, later, after all other options, ask citizens for a sales tax only as a direct offset to property taxes.

Listen to the complete audio of the discussion here. Read the memo from the Sales Tax Task Force via Borough Manager John Moosey posted here.

Hall said, "We want a revenue cap in the Borough but also want to make sure it's modern and up to date with what's going on."

Effective immediately, Alaska State Parks has opened Nancy Lake and Willow Creek State Recreation Areas to snowmobiles after staff determined there is now sufficient snow to protect the underlying vegetation in the parks.

At 6 p.m. on Friday, December 22, a limited portion of the Hatcher Pass East Management Area – from the Fishhook Trailhead over Hatcher Pass to the west side – will be opened to snowmobiles. This will be a restricted opening because sufficient snow only exists in higher-elevation areas. Everything below Fishhook remains closed, including the Archangel and Gold Mint trailheads. Riders must remain on the trail until reaching the west side, where there are no restrictions.

The Permanent Fund Dividend application season is January 1st through March 31st each year.

Applications are only available during application season.

One application per person. Individuals, including Adults and Children, are required to complete one application EACH. For example, a husband and wife with 3 children will submit a total of 5 applications. Applications submitted with the intent of being for more than one individual will only be considered for one applicant.
File Online! On January 1, the online application is available on our home page.

On 1/01/18 at 4:54 a.m., AST and Emergency Medical personal responded to a residence in the Big Lake area for CPR in progress on a 37 year old female. This case is currently being investigated by Palmer GIU.

Like The Big Lake Times on Facebook to stay on top of breaking stories, or follow us on Twitter

Vlad K. submitted this:With the lengthening of the days, it's time to start considering ways to prepare for the coming Wildfire Season. These are the warm, dry days between the snow and ice melting, and the greening of Alaska. This article will look at ways to help you make your home, and your community, safe from wildfires.

What is FireWise?

FireWise is a program which helps people learn what they can do to protect their homes and families and live compatibly with wildfire. Homeowners are strongly encouraged to prepare before a wildfire.